Kenny Muhammad (born December 3, 1968) is a beatboxer commonly referred to as the "Human Orchestra", a moniker he affirmed by performing "Kenny's Joy" with the New York Symphony Orchestra. He is widely regarded as one of the best technical beatboxers ever^[1] (a position that puncturing his left lung in a car accident has not altered), with a style that focuses heavily on complex polyrhythms and not necessarily percussive sounds such as a saw-effect bass.

Kenny is known for using a technique called the "wind technique", which heavily utilizes breathing as an element of the beatbox routine. This creates a unique effect of audibly inhaling and exhaling while simultaneously creating percussion sounds with the mouth^[2].

Kenny has worked with many other artists, a large proportion from outside the genres of beatbox, hip-hop or rap, including Public Enemy, Mindless Self Indulgence, Matisyahu, Squarepusher, The X-Ecutioners, Regina Belle, The Gap Band, Maxwell, Angie Stone, Stevie Wonder, Vernon Reid, and Take 6. Kenny has also collaborated extensively with his fellow beatboxer Rahzel.^[3]

[edit] Benefit concert, 2004

In 2004 Kenny was arrested after brutally assaulting four police officers, a crime he would ultimately serve time in prison for. To support him several beatboxers including Scratch of the Legendary Roots Crew arranged a small benefit concert in New York^[4].

[edit] References

1. ^ A history on Kenny Muhammed's wind technique, describing his respect among beatboxers
2. ^ An in-depth tutorial on Kenny Muhammed's wind technique for beginners
3. ^ Album: Rahzel : Make the Music 2000
4. ^ Review: Benefit Concert for Kenny Muhammad

[edit] External links

• Kenny Muhammad's profile on MySpace
• Kenny Muhammad performing in 2004

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